A.’s OA Story – To Walk Without CrutchesAfter almost five years in Overeaters Anonymous (OA), I recently traveled alone for the first time to attend a work-related convention, where I was shown just how important it is to reach out for help when I need it.I was very nervous about traveling with people I hardly knew. At the airport I hobbled in with my ugly 1950’s-era suitcase and duffle bag, while my companions jogged in with their designer luggage. On the plane I was terrified; no one sat by me so I pretended to read a book. I had not been briefed as to what to expect at this convention, and I felt very lonely and alienated.After a six-hour meeting, I went to my hotel room, unpacked and took a shower.Exhausted, I looked in the mirror and began to cry, trying to pull myself out of my depressed mood so I could participate in the convention. I realized I hadn’t eaten since noon, but was too tired to even dial room service. When the secretary called to ask if I was going to dinner, I told her I was tired, hung up and cried until midnight. I thought of trying to find an OA member to call in this city, or even someone from AA. I called no one.Finally at 2.30am I called my superintendent, who was also attending the convention.When he saw my condition he took me to an emergency room, where I was told that my blood pressure had sky-rocketed because I hadn’t eaten in 16 hours. The nurse asked me why I hadn’t called anyone for help sooner. I told her I was ashamed, confused and frightened.I told her I was a member of Overeaters Anonymous (OA) and that faith in my HigherPower usually got me through, but not this time. She told me I shouldn’t feel ashamed, thatI was only human and to stick to my Twelve-Step program as my foundation for living.When I got home I tried to figure out what had happened to me and how to overcome my shame that I hadn’t reached out for help sooner. I realized that no one can help me if they don’t know there’s a problem, and that resentment of my co-workers for not helping me to feel included was a problem. I knew too that if I had a sponsor and had been in the habit of calling, I would have reached out to someone just as soon as I felt lonely and frightened.I have since taken full responsibility for my actions with my superintendent, who was so gracious and caring in my distress. I am now faced with walking down the rugged path of life one step at a time, and should I misstep, I MUST call someone and do everything I can to keep my sanity, to walk without my crutches of compulsive overeating.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS ®, INC.
From: Lifeline April 1995
Copyright 2019 by Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.
Reprinted by permission of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.
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